DeTomaso Mailing List: April 98, Message #270

At 05:34 AM 4/4/98 +0000, Cristiano wrote
snip
 
>Questions: 
>
>1) A spark is a spark, and if the standard system is in perfect condition,
>why is the MSD system better - what can it do better than the standard
>double points system?
>
The key to engine operation is igniting the fuel.  The more energy you can
get across the gap of the plug, the better chance you have of getting the
mixture burnt  and burnt when you want it.  An MSD ignition control will
give you a minimum of 4 times the spark energy as that of a regular points
and coil.

I have seen coils that would jump 2 inches when held in the air but would
not run an engine because of a lack or energy.  Plenty of voltage but no
amps.  The MSD is a capacitive discharge that has multiple spark cycles so
just in case the first one did not light of, the second or third spark
will.  Very important at high cylinder pressures in hot engines.

>2) What does the complete MSD system consist of? I guess it must be the
>complete distributor plus the ignition coil, is this correct?
>
All you need is the MSD box.  It will go between the points and the coil.
If you want to get fancy, then you can get a new distributor, new coil,
adjustable advance control, knock control, revlimiter.  All this stuff is
optional depending on pocket book size.

>3) I guess that there must be different MSD systems, made for different
>applications (standard, high performance etc.). If this is correct, which
>system is it advised to use?
>
MSD makes several different models.  The top of the line race model does
have more power, but most important is it is more reliable for racing
purposes.  The base model is more than adequate for a street car.

>4) How much does it cost?
>
basic model is around $90

Dave D